Cackling Goose, Branta hutchinsii

Cackling Geese were once classified as the two smallest subspecies of the Canada Goose,
but more recently were recognized as a separate species. The bird above
is minima, the smallest subspecies; note the rounded head and absence
of neck ring. The one below is Aleutian (leucopareia) -- slightly
larger, and note the neck ring, slightly longer bill, and especially
the blocky shape of the head.

The
bird above is a minima -- note the dark breast and
underparts, as well as the small bill and absence of a neck ring.
Below, a flying Aleutian, identified by the neck ring, flying in at
sunset in the California Central Valley, one of thousands of birds
of this subspecies I watched come home to roost there in the late fall
of 2014.

Below,
several Aleutians of the California Central Valley group described just
above, coming in to their overnight roost in a harvested corn field.

Above,
a swimming Cackling Goose of the Aleutian subpecies; below, the same
bird looks to be launching a David/Goliath sneak attack from the rear
one of two much bigger Canada Geese.